TEXAS: AG Ken Paxton Warns Counties Not To Immediately Issue Licenses

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton urged county officials Thursday to not immediately begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples if the U.S. Supreme Court rules that gay marriage is legal. His recommendation came shortly before the court was expected to hand down its long-awaited decision. But county leaders in Austin, San Antonio and Dallas have already said that if the high court allows it, they won't wait for state approval and are prepared to begin issuing marriage licenses very quickly. Paxton, a Republican who opposes gay marriage, suggested they stand pat until hearing from his office. "Whatever the ruling, I would recommend that all county clerks and justices of the peace wait for direction and clarity from this office about the meaning of the court's opinion and the rights of Texans under the law," Paxton said in a statement.

Texas' ban on same-sex marriage was overturned in 2013. The Fifth Circuit Court heard the appeal of that ruling in January of this year, but declined to issue a decision pending SCOTUS.